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Variable Speed Intermittent Windshield Wiper Install

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17th April 2011, 00:25	#1
msrecant Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,379	Variable Speed Intermittent Windshield Wiper Install Today was a rainy afternoon so I decided to finally install my variable speed intermittent wiper switch. I don't think anyone has done blow-by-blow instructions for this mod so I thought I would document the process here. This is a relatively easy mod. On a scale of 1 (no mechanical skill) to 10 (master mechanic) I would rate it a 2. It should take the average person about 10-15 minutes if done carefully. Below is a picture of both the OE MX-5 wiper switch and the RX-8 wiper switch with the only difference being the INT speed ring. I got the part on Ebay for around $50. It can be from any 2004-2008 RX-8 or any 2009-later RX-8 without the rain sensor. There are other Mazda cars that have compatible switches but that list is left as an exercise for the reader. Here is the "before" picture. __________________ 2008 Copper Red Mica PRHT GT 6MT, MS Anti-Sways, Nautilus Horn, ScanGauge II

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17th April 2011, 00:26	#2
msrecant Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,379	The first step is to remove the plastic cowling from around the steering column. This is done by going underneath the steering column and using a medium size Phillips-head screw driver to remove the two silver sheet metal screws (1 and 2) and the one black machine screw (3) from the bottom-cowl. Included is a picture of the screws removed from the underside of the cowling. Once done, release the tilt lever (4) to provide up/down access for removing the cowling. Note: if you have the Advanced Keyless Entry (AKE) system be sure to remove the cap over the ignition key to facilitate removing the cowling. The cowling has a clamshell design. To avoid damaging the plastic I simply used my fingers, above and below the turn signal opening, to pop open the left side of the cowling. By lifting up on the left side of the upper-cowl and pushing in and up on the right side of the upper-cowl, I got the entire top half to release. The top-half cowl then lifts up and out from under the dash. Once the top-half is removed, the bottom half can be easily pushed down and pulled out. __________________ 2008 Copper Red Mica PRHT GT 6MT, MS Anti-Sways, Nautilus Horn, ScanGauge II
17th April 2011, 00:28	#3
msrecant Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,379	Now the wiper switch is fully exposed. The next step it to use a small Phillips-head screw driver to remove the two small silver screws (pictured below) that hold the switch into the steering column. Included is a picture of the two screws you remove. Once the screws are removed, the next step is to unplug the electrical connector from the bottom of the switch. I used a small flat-blade screw driver to push in the catch that holds the connector in place (see below). Once the catch is released the connector can be easily pulled down. The final step is to remove the wiper switch assembly from the steering column by simply pulling it to the right. __________________ 2008 Copper Red Mica PRHT GT 6MT, MS Anti-Sways, Nautilus Horn, ScanGauge II

17th April 2011, 00:29	#4
msrecant Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,379	Re-assembly is just reversing the above steps. - Insert the new wiper switch assembly into the steering column - Screw in the two small silver screws that hold the wiper switch in place - Plug the electrical connector into the bottom of the switch Next is reinstallation of the steering column cowling. - Insert the bottom-half of the cowl below the steering column and hook it over the ignition switch - Insert the top-half of the cowl above the steering column and snap it into place on top of the bottom-half - Screw in the black machine screw (back hole) and two silver sheet metal screws (two forward holes) from the bottom - For AKE cars reinstall the ignition switch cap Here is the "after" picture. Turn on the car and put the lever into the INT position. Rotating the ring down is for faster intermittent operation, up is for slower. Also, be sure to test ALL other windshield wiper functions. __________________ 2008 Copper Red Mica PRHT GT 6MT, MS Anti-Sways, Nautilus Horn, ScanGauge II